The Global Naga Forum (GNF) stated that the Nagaland Gaonburah Federation (NGBF) has made it clear that its political commitment is limited to Nagas of Nagaland state.
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The Global Naga Forum (GNF) is ideologically and practically committed to the peoplehood of the Nagas. That is to say, we support the political and human rights of the Naga people as a whole and not just the rights of Nagas of a particular state. GNF’s commitment to Naga peoplehood prompts us to work with governments, civil society organisations, Naga Political Groups, political parties, and leaders who support Naga unity and advance the common good. We therefore find it most unfortunate that the Nagaland Gaonburah Federation (NGBF) has made it amply clear that its political commitment is limited to the Nagas of Nagaland state alone. The NGBF’s recent media release (Eastern Mirror, 16 April 2026, “NGBF slams MLA Achumbemo over ‘demeaning’ remarks on Gaonburahs”) reaffirms its narrow vision of Nagas living in mutually exclusionary political entities in artificially separated territories. Going by their statement, this vision of a divided Naga people owes its origin to British colonial rule and its legacy in present day India’s treatment of the Nagas, reflected in the ongoing impasse of the Indo-Naga political issue.
Gaonburah institution was part of British colonial rule and system of control over the Nagas. It was handed on, against the expressed wishes of the Nagas, to the postcolonial nation-states of India and Burma. Today’s GB institution is a colonial legacy and functions as an administrative tool of the Indian government.
GoI has affirmed in writing that Naga national cause is a political issue. It was a political issue from colonial times to date, and has been repeatedly negotiated at the highest levels (PMO) without a final resolution.
Naga people live in our ancestral homelands but separated in four Indian states and in Myanmar. The Naga political issue belongs to all the Nagas, not just to Nagas of any state or region.
The NGBF’s function is limited within Nagaland state. It has the right to voice its opinion on the Naga political issue, but cannot claim moral or historical authority to speak for the Naga people, especially since they are functionaries of the Indian government, one of the parties of the peace negotiation. Nagaland GBs, who are servants of the Indian government, cannot legitimately claim to be “Custodians of traditional Naga authority”.
MLA Achumbemo Kikon has been a consistent defender of Naga human and political rights for decades, going back to his years as NSF (Naga Students’ Federation) leader. His conscientious advocacy in support of Naga peoplehood and for peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue does not transgress international law or the Indian constitution. Couldn’t Nagaland GBs do likewise for the Naga people as a whole instead of attacking an elected representative of the people? The Global Naga Forum makes it clear that this is not a rejection of the contributions of Gaonburahs who have served their communities with sincerity; however we are calling for a REFORM. Institutions that emerged under colonial conditions must be re-examined in the light of present realities and the aspirations of the Naga people.
We envision a system of leadership rooted in indigenous values that is democratic, accountable, and representative of the will of the people. The dignity and respect due to elders must be upheld, but not at the cost of democratic principles or by continuing structures that no longer reflect our collective aspirations.
We extend our respect to those Gaonburahs who have served their people with sincerity. At the same time, we urge them to join in a process of introspection and reform. This is a moment that calls for dialogue, clarity, and unity. The future of the Naga people cannot be shaped by narrow positions or inherited administrative frameworks. It must be built on a shared vision that reflects our history, our identity, and our collective political rights.
The institution of Gaonburah, having originated as a colonial construct and subsequently retained by the postcolonial state for administrative convenience, today presents several ambiguities in its roles and functions. There are evident inconsistencies in the application and understanding of the powers of Gaonburahs in both rural and urban contexts, particularly under Article 371A and the Nagaland Village and Area Council Act, 1978. In view of these discrepancies, it is imperative that the state government undertake a comprehensive review of the relevant legal provisions to bring clarity, consistency, and alignment with the present socio-political realities of the Naga people.
Media Cell
Global Naga Forum (GNF)